Local Activities and Attractions

There are almost as many ways to enjoy North Norfolk as there are regular visitors. The area's largely unspoilt beauty and, in places unique, landscapes are a constant draw for those seeking peace and relaxation and a break from a crowded, noisier world, whether its relaxing in rooms and garden, walking, cycling or sailing. At the same time, the whole of the coast has long been a tourist and holiday area and now offers a varied range of activities, attractions and facilities for families or those seeking a more active holiday.

Field House in Hindringham is well-placed for either kind of visitor. It's sufficiently inland to escape the hustle and bustle of busy tourist haunts and to enjoy the scenery but only a short drive or even bike ride from the full range of attractions and is conveniently close enough to popular spots for those spending their days on the beach or on the water.

Activities

Walking

The area is criss-crossed by footpaths, farm tracks, bridleways and more, ensuring variety and interest for walkers. There are plenty of interesting sites and pretty spots to aim for and an adequate supply of pubs and tea-shops for refreshments. We recommend the orange Ordnance Survey Explorer series map no. 251 for the immediate area around Hindringham and no.s 250 and 252 for coastal paths either side. Field House is a short drive from the coast where you can explore salt marshes and sandy beaches or try a section of the Peddar's Way and North Norfolk coast path.

Cycling

Don't, for a moment, believe that Norfolk is flat... but Hindringham and the surrounding area offers miles of relatively easy cycling, much of it on quiet, rural lanes and tracks. There's much to explore locally or for the more ambitious, National Cycle Route no. 1 passes through nearby Wells and Walsingham and it's possible to make your way to Norwich or beyond with large car-free sections on miles of abandoned railway line. Cycle hire is available in Wells and other locations.

Beaches

There are big, sandy beaches at Wells, Holkham and Holme for traditional sea-side days-out as well as somewhat more challenging scenery at Stiffkey, Blakeney and Thornham. Children love to dabble or fish for shore crabs and may well end up wet and muddy. The marshes and creeks offer endless opportunity to explore but must be treated with respect and due regard for tide and weather conditions... read local coastguard advice before venturing too far off the beaten track.

Sailing and boating

Traditional bases for sailing are at Brancaster and Blakeney but boats are everywhere along the coast. Wells-next-the-Sea now has its own sailing school (Oceanus Sailing) as well as its small working fishing fleet and an increasing number of trip and pleasure boats. The other must-do trip for the North Norfolk visitor is a run out to see the seals at Blakeney Point, with Temples, Beans and Bishops running regular boats on the tide from Morston or Blakeney.

Bird Watching

Field House is not far from the marshes at Cley-next-the-Sea, sometimes described as the birthplace of British birdwatching and still a mecca for varied and rare species. Along the coast, Titchwell Marsh is one of the most visited RSPB reserves in the UK.

Historic Homes and Sites

Norfolk's 'big houses' at nearby Holkham, Felbrigg, Houghton and Sandringham are some the country's finest stately homes and country estates. And there's plenty of less grand but no less interesting historic sites on-hand, including Warham Camp, Binham Priory and North Creake Abbey and the Abbey gardens at Walsingham.

Towns and villages

For such a small area, every town and village seems surprisingly different, each with its own character. Nearby Holt has managed to preserve much of its Georgian feel and offers a range of antique shops, galleries and cafes to match. Burnham Market has an up-market, fashionable atmosphere that remains infamously popular with weekend visitors from London while Wells-next-the-Sea on the other hand remains more true to its working past and a more down-to-earth type of traditional holiday-maker (though you have to go to Sheringham, Hunstanton or Cromer for a real sea-side resort style). Field House is not far from the religious centre of Walsingham with its fascinating medieval buildings and history. And, of course, Norwich is less than hour's drive away and offers its own attractions, history and excellent shops.

Attractions

Thursford

Field House is ideally placed for the nearby Thursford Collection, either for its hugely popular Christmas Spectacular show or just to look at what is probably the finest collection of Organs, Traction Engines, Steam Rollers, Steam Tractors and Fairground Rides anywhere.

Please note that we are usually very busy for Thursford Christmas Spectacular shows so you should try and make bookings well in advance.

The Poppy line

The North Norfolk Railway runs from Sheringham to Holt, mostly with preserved steam engines. The station at Weybourne in particular captures the spirit of bygone country stations and is popular with film makers. For a whole day out, walk from Weybourne into Sheringham Park or perhaps along the cliffs to Sheringham itself.

For those with a taste for such things, we're very near the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, the longest 10 1/4" gauge railway in the world (talking timetable 01328 710631) and a short drive from the Bure Valley Railway and the Mid-Norfolk Railway.

The Muckleburgh Collection

On the coast at Weybourne, the Muckleburgh Collection is the UK's largest private collection of tanks and military vehicles, offering rides and working displays as well as static exhibits.

Pensthorpe

A short drive in-land, Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park offers one of the finest collections of endangered and exotic waterbirds in the UK, set in 500 acres with miles of nature trails through ancient fen meadows, woodland and a superb series of lakes.